Longshot is a game about space combat. The majority of the gameplay is dueling with other ships, flying maneuvers with allies and destroying the enemy. You play a merc either for the humans or the aliens. There are six ships on each side, two of each of three different classes. There are four weapon types and two missile types. There is a central base which can be captured to allow you to build automated defense turrets. The purpose of the game is either to destroy the enemy base or hold the central base long enough to win.